QUESTION 10.1.5

Local control of propulsion machinery

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Room, Engine Control Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether engineers can transfer propulsion and essential auxiliaries from remote to local control, communicate with the bridge and operate safely after control-system failure.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

TRANSFER PROCEDUREA vessel-specific procedure identifies the control stations, selector sequence, permissions and confirmation indications.LOCAL STATIONControls, indicators, emergency stops, communications and lighting are accessible and operational.AUXILIARIESEngineers know which pumps, valves, pitch, fuel or pneumatic functions require local intervention.COMMUNICATIONA tested independent link supports orders and repeat-back between bridge, ECR and local station.TEST RECORDPeriodic tests demonstrate transfer, local response and restoration without creating unsafe propulsion movement.COMPETENCEMore than one engineer can execute the arrangement under realistic failure conditions.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1How do you take local control after bridge-control failure?

Notify the bridge, stabilise the plant, select local control in the approved sequence, confirm authority and obey repeated orders through tested communications.

2Which protections remain active in local control?

Identify the actual trips, slowdowns, interlocks and any protections bypassed or changed on this installation.

3How is engine speed or pitch ordered from the bridge?

Use the designated communication and repeat-back method, with engine movements recorded at the controlling station.

4What auxiliaries may also need manual control?

Identify fitted fuel, lubricating-oil, cooling, starting-air, pitch and control-air equipment affected by the failure.

5How is the test performed without endangering the vessel?

Use the planned company test under safe conditions, coordinate all stations and avoid an uncommanded propulsion response.

Where an observation may arise

TRANSFER UNKNOWN

Engineers cannot explain the actual selector or authority-transfer sequence.

COMMUNICATION FAILURE

The designated bridge-to-local communication is defective or untested.

LOCAL DEFECT

Controls, indicators or lighting at the local station are not functional.

NO REAL TEST

Records show only visual inspection, not the required operational verification.

ONE-PERSON KNOWLEDGE

Only the Chief Engineer can operate the emergency arrangement.

Master's practical note

Conduct a tabletop failure from the bridge order to the local fuel or pitch command. Generic knowledge of local control is insufficient if engineers cannot identify this ship's selectors and surviving protections.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Operational testing must be risk assessed and may be simulated where actual transfer could jeopardise navigation. Follow maker limitations and the approved control-system arrangement.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.1.5
SOLAS Chapter II-1 regulations 31 and 49
ICS Engine Room Procedures Guide
ISM Code section 8

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10